Causes of Hamstring Strain

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Causes of Hamstring Strain
This injury is usually the result of an over extension of the leg. This classic scenario is that of running or sprinting downhill at speeds that you are not accustomed to. Running on slopped roads and banked surfaces can cause a hamstring strain as the muscle is over stretched to keep a balanced running stride. Over pronation (foot imbalance) can also lead to hamstring strain.

Treatment of Hamstring StrainInitial treatment should consist of an ice pack (http://www.drfoot.co.uk/cgi-bin/affiliates/clickthru.cgi?id=runner&page=https://secure14.easyspace.com/www.drfoot.co.uk/acatalog/copy_of_copy_of_copy_of_Reusable_Cold_Hot_Gel_Pack s.html). Some runners prefer to use a wet towel that has been in the fridge. We recommend you use commercially available ice packs for focused pain relief. Anti-inflammatory such as Ibrobrufen will help to release the swelling. Please note this should be taken with meals and never before running.
You can continue running but it is essential that you modify your training routine. Try to run on flat surfaces, shorten your stride and decrease your speed until your injury has completely healed. The hamstring stretch is an essential aspect of your treatment regime.

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The symptoms of a pulled hamstring depend on the severity of the injury. The hamstring injury is usually sudden and painful. Other common symptoms include:
Bruising: Small tears within the muscle cause bleeding and subsequent bruising. The bruise begins in the back of the thigh, and as time passes the bruise will pass down below the knee and often into the foot.
Swelling: The accumulation of blood from the hamstring injury causes swelling of the thigh. This can make further muscle contraction difficult and painful. Wearing a compressive bandage can help control the swelling.
Spasm: Muscle spasm is a common and painful symptom of a hamstring injury. Because of the trauma to the muscle, signals of contraction are confused, and the muscle may be stimulated. If severe, muscle relaxants can help with spasms.
Difficulty Contracting: Flexing the knee is often painful after a pulled hamstring, and can even prevent the patient from walking normally. If you are unable to contract the hamstring, the muscle may be completely ruptured.